Kansas homes surge in price as lawmakers search for solutions

TOPEKA (KSNT) — Rising prices and property taxes are continuing to hurt homebuyers in Kansas, and now local experts are calling on lawmakers for solutions.

During a legislative committee meeting on Oct. 22, contractors, activists and housing experts testified before lawmakers to offer up solutions on how to address the state’s housing crisis.

Data from the U.S Census Bureau shows that median home prices in The Sunflower State have risen by nearly 40% since 2018, making it harder for Kansans to achieve what local lawmakers are calling the “American dream.”

Therefore, the legislature has taken action to help make housing more affordable. They’ve passed programs such as the Reinvestment Housing Incentive, and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program.

For the most part, contractors tell us these programs are helping, but say the legislature could be doing more. Last year, the legislature cut funding for the Modern Income Housing Grant Program, which helps build houses for middle class Kansans.

Ross Vogel with Heartland Housing Partners testified before the legislature on Wednesday. He tells us, Kansas needs this service and wants to see programs like MIHP fully funded.

“I think the biggest thing would be to see that program get funded again at the level it was in 2024,” said Vogel.

Vogel also tells us, projects like these are very helpful here in Kansas, and more funding in general would go a long way.

“People will apply, but it’s so competitive and they’re such good projects and there’s such a big need out there that it’s not the marketing,” said Vogel. “There is just not enough money to go around for all the need.”

Program funding wasn’t the only solution that was brought to lawmakers.

Data presented by the American Housing Center suggests that home sizes have contributed to the issue as well. The group claims that if contractors built smaller homes in Kansas subdivisions since 2000, there would be more than 20,000 more housing units available to Kansans today.

The Committee on Commerce has another scheduled meeting on Thursday, where they will come up with recommendations to consider when lawmakers meet next year.

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